The thesis comprehends a scientific process of how a specific range of users interact with manuals in a digital environment and how to design embedded help tools for a computer system. The company Aviolinx (in Malmö, Sweden) have developed an airline management system which is used as a case for this study. The problem definition is how embedded help tools can be designed in a computer system, so that the user gets the right information, at the right time, in the right amount. Through benchmarking, help tools on different websites and programs were compared to see how others have done, and to find patterns and differences. The patterns that were found, were compiled into what the authors call de fem P:na (in translation: the five P’s), featured as positioning, punctuality, precision, the outset of use and analogy. Further, the user context is examined and the types of situations that might occur.
From the identified patterns and statements from earlier research in the field, paper prototypes were created and tested on Aviolinx’s customers. Based on the results from the tests, two help tools were chosen for further development and a digital prototype was made. It resulted in a help center which functions as a database with information where the user can search for help, in shape of descriptions and step- by-step assistance. As a completing help tool, information icons were applied in specific positions in the interface, to allow the user to view short descriptions of e.g. flight expressions or help within dialog windows. The conclusion of the studies is that user-centered design must form the basis of the design of the embedded help tools, in special purpose software. In this particular user context where critical situations may arise, the focus is on punctuality.